Instagram Giveaway ::{ Athens, Georgia Photographer }::

Your photographer, Tara Wilburn (@taramariewilburn) at Breath Of Light Imagery, is partnering with expert hair and makeup artist Shelby McDuffie (@shelbylane.mcxo) for an exclusive Instagram giveaway! For the first time ever, the two will collaborate their crafts to treat one winning lady to a professional photoshoot this summer. Entries are open! The winner might just be you!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
Our Summer Giveaway includes professional hair and makeup services provided by Shelby McDuffie on the scheduled day of the photoshoot. The photoshoot will include up to 60 minutes with your photographer on-location anywhere within a 40-mile radius of Athens, Georgia. This giveaway also includes a generous $200 print credit to use in your online proofing gallery toward your digital collection, photographic prints, album, or wall art. The photo session is reserved for only one winning person and may be booked as any of the following types: lifestyle, headshot, maternity, boudoir, (pre wedding day) bridal, or high-school senior/teen.

The deadline for entries is June 30, 2017. The winner for this giveaway will be announced on July 4, 2017 at 8:00 A.M. via live video streaming on Instagram.

HOW TO ENTER:
If you’re following us on Instagram, you should see our giveaway post that looks identical to the picture above. For each action described here, contestants will earn additional entries. The more entries a contestant earns, the better chance they have to win.
Action 1: “Like” the advertised photo on Instagram (double tap photo or click the heart icon).
Action 2: Tag another user in the comment section of the advertised photo.
Action 3: Post a selfie to Instagram using the hashtag #beautyshootwinner

FINE PRINT:
This giveaway is not affiliated with Instagram. To be a winner of this giveaway, the contestant must be a female and at least 16 years of age. If contestant is under the age of 18, parental/guardian permission must be granted. Winner is granted 30 days prior to announcing results to claim their reward to Tara Wilburn. The winner must claim their reward by phone call to 706-338-6208 by the deadline established above. Failure to claim the reward within the amount of time granted will result in a forfeit of prize. Prize may not be exchanged for cash, but may be transferrable to a third party. This giveaway portrait session does not offer studio-styled services.

Spa Collective ::{ Athens, Georgia Spa }::

Hello, friends! I have some great photos to share with you from my visit to Spa Collective, a fresh spa that has opened up in Athens, Georgia about 6 months ago. The team at Spa Collective has really been successful in making the atmosphere feel beautiful and relaxing for their clients, while also bringing a modern taste to the overall look.

The spa was founded by Layne Lasseter, head esthetician and makeup artist, and established in the fall of 2016. Joining Layne in providing esthetics services is Jennifer Bridges of J Bridges Skincare. Elizabeth Sheppard brings amazing massage therapy services to Spa Collective. Recently Suzy Holcombe joined the team, providing massage services as well. These ladies actually met while working together at a local spa, where the foundation for their craft began to flourish. Who knew that only a few years later they would be inspired enough to open the doors to a spa of their own? Altogether, this group is more than able to go above and beyond to provide their clients with the spa treatment they are looking for.  Spa Collective specializes in skincare, makeup, massage, lash and brow tenting, microdermabrasion, waxing, and more!

I had such a great time photographing everything from professional headshots to the product line they distribute. Furthermore, I am the biggest cheerleader for small businesses. If you want to support this amazing team of servant-minded ladies, go show some love to their social media platforms and of course give them a call today!

Elopement To Staghorn Chapel ::{ Nicholson, Georgia Wedding Photographer }::

It all started at the Starbucks section at Kroger. Kristi was sitting there at one of the tables enjoying a vanilla latte, when she saw Bruce searching for an empty seat. On impulse she said to him, “Come on and sit right here by me.” He obliged.

Sixteen months later, here they are exchanging passionate vows amongst their children, Bruce’s parents, and their family-friend officiant. No one but us had known prior about Kristi and Bruce’s plan to wed for that day, which made for a very laid-back and relaxed ceremony. There were many happy tears, as well as hugs and kisses given between all in attendance. It was a precious evening.

Photographing these two love birds was fun! They were so easy to direct, and made me laugh during the times in between. The kids brought so much joy to this event as well. I was so blessed to have been the chosen photographer for Kristi and Bruce’s intimate elopement at the Staghorn Chapel in Nicholson, Georgia. It was such a beautiful unifying moment of becoming “one”, as well as a blending of families. The vows they exchanged to each other were some of the very best vows I have ever heard. It wasn’t just the eloquent words that were put to paper, it was in how they were sincerely expressed that wrenched our hearts. Simply Beautiful.

Athens Georgia Family Photographer

Dirt, rocks, and sticks. That’s pretty much all you need in life as a 2-year-old.

Harrison reminds me so much of my own son, who is only a few months older. Needless to say, I’m very experienced on photographing this age (thank goodness for high shutter speeds and AI Servo)! Two words to describe him; All Boy!… Harri, like most toddler boys, has an adventurous and energetic personality; ready for fun anytime, anywhere, and at any speed! He was a hoot and I had a blast photographing him and his parents during this family session at Memorial Park in Athens, Georgia.

Shayna + Hugo ::{ Flowery Branch, Georgia Photographer }::

Hello, everyone! I’m so excited to share photos with you from a recent portrait session I photographed of Shayna & Hugo! After a couple of rain checks, we were finally able to attempt this lovely session at Williams Mill Greenspace in Flowery Branch, Georgia without any rain! We were so thankful to have circumvented the showers this time, only to be accompanied by a few light sprinklings which we could totally handle. Any photographer will tell you that shooting portraits on an overcast day will provide gorgeous lighting for your models. And these photos right here are a perfect example of yummy natural soft light coming from a God-sized softbox in the sky.

This adorable couple met in college while going through nursing school. It all started out as a friendship, and later sparked into something more. Shayna and Hugo both are super laid-back and such a joy to hang out with. Not to mention they are a beautiful, beautiful couple! I loved every minute of our session while getting to know the two of them as well as their love story.

I look forward to our paths crossing again in May! One of Shayna’s best friends, Cortney, happens to also be a bride of mine. Shayna is a bridesmaid, so we will definitely be hanging out again soon at the Maffett wedding coming up in the next couple of months.

Cortney + Luke Engagement ::{ Athens, Georgia Wedding Photographer }::

It all began at The Georgia Theatre, one of Athens‘ prime entertainment spots, where Luke and Cortney met for the first time. Some time thereafter this couple would cross paths again, sparking a love interest that would radiantly flourish into “forever and always” as they prepare for a wedding this spring at The Georgia Club.

These two began a love journey that would encompass memories of hiking and camping trips as well as adventurous trips to new places. Naturally, Luke proposed to Cortney at the Clock Tower in Rome, Georgia during one of their occasional travel adventures! She obviously said “yes” to his proposal and immediately began putting wedding plans into fruition.

I was tickled pink when Cortney asked me to come meet with her at her parents’ house to talk about wedding plans.  We came up with a fun engagement session idea to photograph the two of them on the North Campus grounds of the University of Georgia (UGA), where Luke has proudly earned the right to stand under the famous arches being a UGA grad student. We also made our way to The Georgia Theatre in remembrance of where it all began.

Cortney and Luke, you two are a beautiful couple and I cannot wait to see you exchange vows before your friends and family. Thank you for trusting me to be your wedding photographer and above all, thank you for your service as a United States military family. You are truly appreciated.

Sierra + Tyler ::{ Athens, Georgia Engagement Photographer }::

I am so excited to share Sierra and Tyler’s engagement session with you all! I had been super excited about photographing this session because these two are such cuties and I knew we’d have fun!

There’s been a funky little place that I’ve had up my sleeve for a while now that I’ve been eager to shoot at, so I decided I’d make it happen with this couple’s engagement session. And, oooooh boy, did we totally rock it out of the park! The moment I arrived at this place and began to look it over, I fell in love. I mean, look at that cacti! It looks like we’re somewhere in Arizona! That railroad track (not in working order) was magnificent! And the brick of that open room where—hello!—there’s a TREE towering inside of it! A photographer’s playground! Athens, Georgia really has some super-unique locations for photography. This might be my new favorite spot.

Sierra and Tyler are nothing short of adorable and they are a joy to be around. I had a blast braving the cold December winds with the two of them for this engagement session. Thankfully, they were able to snuggle up together to keep each other warm. I was grateful to be designated as the keeper of Tyler’s firefighter jacket! Speaking of which, don’t you just love the fireman-themed poses we did?! So cute! And totally made for some flirty fun engagement photos!

I am just counting down the days to wedding day at a gorgeous new venue, The Mill: The Old Jefferson Cotton Mill, in Jefferson. I am so thankful for Sierra and Tyler and I am honored that they would trust me to be their exclusive wedding photographer. I can’t wait to celebrate with such an awesome couple and amazing family.

2017 Spring Mini Sessions – Athens, Georgia Family Photographer

IT’S TIME TO BOOK YOUR SPRING MINI SESSION!

It’s just the end of February, I know, but the other day as I was skimming through my 2017 calendar I noticed that I only had two Saturdays of the entire Spring season remaining unbooked! And that’s when I knew it was time to get things going with my mini sessions. That and, of course, this beautiful tease of pretty weather and buttercups have already had me miserably itching for Spring to make it’s comeback. If you’re right there with me, let’s indulge together and make some portrait fun!

My mini sessions only happen a few times each year and it is a great deal that is exclusively offered to a limited number of time slots for booking. That is why everyone wants to be a part of it! Be sure to book your mini session while this announcement is still hot off the press. You don’t want to miss out!

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MINI SESSION INFORMATION

• WHEN: Saturday April 29 & Sunday April 30 2017
  • Time slots range from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM for each date. The number of time slots are limited and they are reserved first-come-first-serve by purchase of a time slot. Claim your spot before it’s gone! Visit our online store for time slot availability information.
• WHERE: Plans are still being made to photograph this year’s Spring Mini Sessions at a pretty park/garden in the Athens area. More details are to come for the determined location, but just know that I have “pretty spring foliage” and “beautiful light” in mind when selecting the perfect spot. I am open to suggestions!
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: The Springtime mini session include 20 minutes in front of my camera, an online proofing gallery of your fully-edited portraits, and a 10% discount on your print order. Photographs in print form or digital form are not included in the session fee, but are intended for purchase in the gallery.

• DIGITAL FILES: Digital negatives can be purchased in the gallery and are delivered via digital download as high-resolution JPEG files. These files are accompanied by a print release document for your own personal printing. Digital files can be purchased as a complete collection of about 15 images for a discounted total of $225.
• WHO ARE MINI SESSIONS FOR: These mini sessions are perfect for immediate families, children, couples, and even individuals! Groups exceeding 5 people per session are recommended to book a full session in order to receive the full photography experience needed for larger entourages.
• HOW TO BOOK: 
  • 1. Visit bit.ly/BOLI-2017spring to be directed to our online store.
  • 2. Choose your preferred time slot and day. Add to cart.
  • 3. View your cart by clicking “Cart” on the left-hand side of your browser window.
  • 4. Complete checkout after clicking “Checkout Now”.
    • You will hear back from us within 5 business days to confirm your mini session time slot.

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Want to upgrade your Session?
We offer standard sessions all throughout the year catered to your family, which offers:

MORE shoot time
MORE dates for booking
MORE proofs
location(s) of YOUR CHOICE
UNLIMITED outfit changes

Contact Tara today to book your basic/extended family portrait session!

The Turner Family ::{Maysville, Georgia Photographer}::

Kim grabbed this fall season by the horns and implemented a long-awaited family session. When we were planning their session, she expressed to me that she was determined to get portraits done this year because it had already been way too long since they’ve had their photos taken as a family. I gladly got her squared away from there with solidified plans to get it done!

She told me that she had envisioned a place with old buildings and a pretty atmosphere. I immediately knew that Hurricane Shoals Park would be perfect for her expectations. You should have seen her husband, Mark, when we arrived! He was so into the historical buildings on the Heritage Village side of the park he was like a kid in a candy shop!

We had no idea we would run into Santa Claus that day, but we sure did! That surprise was enough to keep Huck, Kim and Mark’s son, in sweet spirits while we trekked throughout the park taking photos. It seemed to have worked for Scooter (their dog), too!

We all had a great time! I can’t wait to see the Turner’s again!

Czerwonka Family Photos ::{ Flowery Branch, Georgia Photographer }::

I do not believe the lighting could have been any more beautiful or perfect here at this very time and place. This first pose I’m showing here suddenly sparked in my mind when working with the Czerwonka family. I had a vision and I made it happen. And it’s got to be one of my very favorite family photos I’ve ever created. I truly feel something here in this moment, don’t you?

For the past couple of years I’ve participated in donating a fall mini session time slot to my church’s annual Ladies Night Out event. This year Cynthia won it! And I am so glad she did! I have known the Czerwonka’s for about nine years now. They have always been such sweet and caring people. I was honored when they asked me to photograph their son’s wedding a few years ago, and now I got to work with them again! It’s funny because while they were the ones who won this gift, I honestly feel like I won something in return with this session!

Czerwonkas, thank you for allowing me to photograph your beautiful little family. You guys totally rocked my camera’s socks off during your session!.. Wait… Do cameras wear socks?… Well I’d guess they’d have to since they have (pause for effect) hot shoes! Hahahahaha!… Man, I crack myself up…

Speaking of mini sessions, if you missed out on my exclusive fall minis last year be sure to book your very own time slot for this year’s upcoming spring mini sessions!